The Bradford-born forward grew up supporting the Bulls and made his debut for his hometown club three years ago.
He quickly emerged as one of the best young players in the Super League but, after a succession of financial problems at Odsal, he was sold to Wigan last November.
The 20-year-old, who gave a man-of-the-match performance in Wigan’s victory at St Helens on Good Friday, said: “There had been talk of me leaving Bradford before but I ended up signing a new deal.
“The financial problems were supposed to be getting sorted but they arose again and I just wanted to go then. I wanted to be in a secure environment where I knew I would be getting paid.
“At the end of the day, when a team like Wigan come knocking on your door, it’s a no-brainer isn’t it? I bit their hands off because it’s something you can’t really say no to.
“It wasn’t just about getting messed about over getting paid, it was about my career and wanting to win things and play for England.
“I wanted to be in an environment like Wigan where they are constantly pushing you and making sure that it’s going to bring the best out of you.
Facing the club he grew up supporting will be a strange experience for the former England Academy captain, who is being tipped for full international honours this year.
Bateman said: “I’m looking forward to it, although it will feel a bit weird playing against Bradford and some of my old mates. There are number of players who have left Bradford because of the financial problems and they are good players.
“It’s sad to see Bradford like that and you never really think it’s going to happen.
“I just hope they stay in Super League but with the quality of players they have I’m confident they can.
“Obviously I’ll always have some affinity with the Bulls because that’s where I started my career. I will always look out for them and follow their fortunes.”